instability
noun
in·sta·bil·i·ty
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially
: lack of emotional or mental stability
Examples of instability in a Sentence
Investors are worried about the current instability of the stock market.
The patient has a history of emotional instability.
Recent Examples on the Web
The 2026 State of Reentry Report found that housing instability, unemployment, behavioral health needs, substance use disorders, transportation barriers, and difficulty obtaining identification remain among the most significant challenges facing individuals returning home from incarceration.
—
Beth Hines, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026
The political scientist Alberto Vergara explained that so much churn and instability have, perhaps inevitably, resulted in the disillusionment of an entire generation.
—Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
After two decades of drug war violence and instability, a majority of Mexicans say in recent polls that organized crime is the country’s biggest challenge.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Migné was thrilled to see the turnout from the Haitian diaspora for Tuesday’s game and hopes an equally enthusiastic crowd shows up Friday to energize his team, which was forced to play all its World Cup qualifying matches away from home due to crime and instability on the island.
—Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Beth Hines, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026
The political scientist Alberto Vergara explained that so much churn and instability have, perhaps inevitably, resulted in the disillusionment of an entire generation.
—Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
After two decades of drug war violence and instability, a majority of Mexicans say in recent polls that organized crime is the country’s biggest challenge.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Migné was thrilled to see the turnout from the Haitian diaspora for Tuesday’s game and hopes an equally enthusiastic crowd shows up Friday to energize his team, which was forced to play all its World Cup qualifying matches away from home due to crime and instability on the island.
—Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for instability
Cite this Entry
“Instability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instability. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instability
noun
in·sta·bil·i·ty
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē
: the quality or state of being unstable
Medical Definition
instability
noun
in·sta·bil·i·ty
ˌin(t)-stə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural instabilities
: the quality or state of being unstable
especially
: lack of emotional or mental stability
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
